The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by non-exempt American Fisheries Act (AFA) catcher vessels in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA), effective 12 noon, Alaska local time, January 20, 2024, according to Jonathan M. Kurland, Regional Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.
This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the annual 2024 Pacific cod sideboard limit established for non-exempt AFA catcher vessels in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA. This action is issued pursuant to 50 CFR 679.20(d)(1)(iii) and (iv).
While this closure is effective the maximum retainable amounts at 50 CFR 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time during a trip.
This information bulletin only provides notice of a fishery management action. For the purposes of complying with any requirements of this action, you are advised to see the actual text of the action in the Federal Register.
